Siglent SNA5006X-E 2 ports, 6.5 GHz Vector Network Analyzer
The Siglent SNA5006X-E is a 2-port vector network analyzer with a frequency range from 9 kHz to 6.5 GHz, designed for accurate S-parameter measurements of RF components such as filters, antennas, and cables. With high dynamic range, fast sweep speed, and an intuitive interface, it is ideal for R&D, production testing, and educational use.
Product overview
The SNA5006X-E is a 2-port vector network analyzer covering 9 kHz to 6.5 GHz with up to 125 dB of dynamic range. Full forward and reverse S-parameters, 1 Hz frequency resolution and an IF bandwidth from 1 Hz to 10 MHz make it a complete, affordable instrument for RF component and network characterisation.
Beyond magnitude-and-phase S-parameters it adds differential-parameter, receiver and time-domain (TDR/TDT) analysis, automatic fixture removal for de-embedding, and limit-line pass/fail testing. Built-in bias-tees, up to 20,001 sweep points and a bright capacitive touchscreen round out a compact, automation-ready platform that runs from the R&D bench to the production line.
Key highlights
9 kHz – 6.5 GHz, 2-port
Full forward and reverse S-parameter characterisation through two N-type ports.
125 dB dynamic range
Up to 125 dB (typ.) dynamic range for accurate measurement of high-isolation and low-loss devices.
1 Hz res · IF 1 Hz–10 MHz
1 Hz frequency resolution and an IF bandwidth from 1 Hz to 10 MHz trade speed against noise.
Time-domain (TDR/TDT)
S-parameter, differential, receiver and time-domain analysis, with automatic fixture removal for de-embedding.
Built-in bias-tees
Integrated bias-tees feed DC to amplifiers and other active parts through the RF port.
Automation-ready
A touchscreen platform with LAN/USB/HDMI and SCPI/LabVIEW/IVI remote control for the bench and the line.
Core capabilities
Full 2-port S-parameters
Measure S11, S21, S12 and S22 with vectored magnitude and phase — the basis for reliable RF component and network characterisation, with output power adjustable from −40 to +10 dBm.
Time-domain, TDR & TDT
Transform to the time domain for TDR/TDT, gating and eye/mask analysis — locate impedance discontinuities and characterise interconnects, cables and connectors.
Fixture error compensation
Automatic fixture removal and de-embedding move the measurement plane to the device under test, so cables, adapters and test boards are calibrated out.
Automation & production test
Limit lines with a global pass/fail verdict, save/recall and full remote control make the SNA5006X-E ready for repeatable production testing.
Bias-tees for active devices
Built-in bias-tees feed DC to amplifiers and other active parts through the RF port — no external tee required.
Modern connectivity
LAN, USB device & host, HDMI output and an optional USB-GPIB, plus an optional high-stability OCXO reference.
Beyond basic S-parameters
Time-domain (TDR/TDT), gating, eye-diagram and mask testing extend it well beyond basic S-parameters for signal-integrity and interconnect work.
Automatic fixture removal and de-embedding shift the calibration plane onto the device under test, calibrating out cables, adapters and test boards.
Limit lines with a global pass/fail verdict, save/recall and SCPI/LXI remote control make it easy to drop into an automated production line.
Front & rear panel
Two N-type test ports, four USB ports and a capacitive touchscreen up front; clock, trigger, HDMI and control I/O plus an OCXO option slot at the rear.
Connectivity
- Test ports — 2 × N-type, 50 Ω (front)
- 4× USB Host (front) — storage, mouse & keyboard
- USB Device (rear, USBTMC) — PC control & SCPI
- LAN — browser remote control & SCPI (VXI-11)
- HDMI video output (rear)
- 10 MHz reference clock in / out
- External trigger in / out
- OCXO option slot (SNA5000-HPR) · 100–240 V AC
Where it is used
RF components & filters
Characterise filters, couplers, attenuators and passive networks with full S-parameters.
Antennas & cables
Return loss, VSWR and insertion loss for antennas, feedlines and cable assemblies.
Amplifiers & active devices
Test gain and matching of amplifiers and active parts, with built-in bias-tees for DC feed.
R&D & characterisation
Time-domain, de-embedding and differential analysis for design and validation.
Production & QA
Limit-line pass/fail and remote control for repeatable production testing.
Education & teaching
An affordable, touch-driven VNA for RF teaching labs and student benches.
In the box
Every SNA5006X-E ships with the standard accessories below.
Region-specific mains lead (IEC C13)
USB Type-A to Type-B for PC control
For fast on-screen setup & editing
Front-panel protective cover
Printed getting-started guide
Factory calibration certificate
Optional accessories
High-performance OCXO reference source for tighter frequency stability
You’ll need a calibration kit
A vector network analyzer is only as accurate as its calibration. The SNA5006X-E does not include a calibration standard — pair it with an ECal module or a mechanical cal kit so you can measure to a trusted reference plane from day one.
Browse calibration kits & ECal
A VNA measures relative to its calibration plane. Calibration removes the errors of the cables, adapters and connectors between the instrument and your device — without it, S-parameter readings simply can’t be trusted.
You re-calibrate every time the cabling, frequency span, output power or temperature changes, so a good kit is used constantly — it is essential, not optional, for any VNA.
One-connection SEM5000A ECal modules calibrate in seconds, or use precision N-type, 3.5 mm and waveguide mechanical kits (like the KWR42A above) as reference standards.
Software licences & options
Full 2-port calibration (SOLT, TRL), impedance conversion, fixture simulation and time-domain analysis are standard. These licences expand the SNA5006X-E further — activated electronically.
Adds a spectrum-analyzer mode — harmonics, spurious, channel power, ACPR and occupied bandwidth on the same instrument.
Transforms S-parameters into the time domain to locate reflections, impedance changes and discontinuities.
Advanced TDR/TDT for fault location and impedance analysis of cables, PCB traces and connectors, with eye & jitter.
Mathematically de-embeds test fixtures to measure SMD, PCB and non-coaxial devices, with Touchstone S2P export.
Specifications
- Frequency range
- 9 kHz – 6.5 GHz
- Test ports
- 2 × N-type, 50 Ω
- Dynamic range
- up to 125 dB (typ.)
- Frequency resolution
- 1 Hz
- Output power
- −40 dBm to +10 dBm, 0.05 dB resolution
- Bias-tees
- Built-in
- IF bandwidth
- 1 Hz – 10 MHz
- Sweep points
- up to 20,001
- Measurements
- S-parameter · differential · receiver · time-domain (TDR/TDT)
- Calibration
- SOLT, TRL, response, ECal & automatic fixture removal
- Optional modes
- Spectrum analysis · enhanced TDR · fixture removal (licences)
- Reference
- Internal; optional SNA5000-HPR OCXO
- Display
- Capacitive touchscreen (mouse & keyboard supported)
- Interfaces
- LAN · USB device · USB host · HDMI · USB-GPIB opt.
- Rear I/O
- 10 MHz reference in/out · trigger in/out · OCXO slot
- Remote control
- SCPI · LabVIEW · IVI (USB-TMC / VXI-11 / Socket / Telnet / WebServer)
- Power
- 100–240 VAC · 50 W typ. (90 W max)
- Weight
- Bench VNA
Specifications are guidance only — the official Siglent datasheet is the definitive reference. Software licences are delivered electronically and excluded from the 14-day EU return right once the key has been issued.
Ready to order the SNA5006X-E?
In EU stock, shipped from the Netherlands with full warranty and expert support. Need 3 GHz instead? Compare the SNA5003X-E.